Every week, at shelters and community spaces, staff and volunteers give children experiencing housing insecurity a much-needed opportunity: the chance to play. As one of the only organizations nationwide focused on creating spaces for trauma-informed play, Playtime Project nurtures healthy child development by meeting kids where they are and letting them be themselves. While they play games, eat healthy snacks, and explore, parents have time to rest, run errands, and take classes. Monthly field trips introduce children to baseball games and the National Zoo; seasonal parties give families opportunities to socialize and relax. Backpacks filled with games, books, and toys keep children engaged when they are away from the program. Families leaving a shelter get “move-out support”: furnishing and toys provided by volunteers and case management by staff — all to ensure they have the resources they need in their new home.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 1

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide

Age Groups Served: Infants (0-2); Pre-K (3-4); Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17)

Ethnic Groups Served: African American; Latino/Hispanic

Population(s) Served: Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members

Awards & Recognition

2011 Community Impact Award from Greater DC Cares
2011 Partner Organization with Fair Chance

Press

Budget (FY2023)

  • $3 million or higher
  • The current budget for Homeless Children's Playtime Project is: $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

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